100% Locally Owned, Independent and Free

100% Locally Owned, Independent and Free

Authorities throttle back boaties and jet ski operators in a heavily used Coast waterway

Do you have a news tip? Click here to send to our news team.

Property boom continues but affordability slows growth

Sunshine Coast real estate prices are continuing to climb, placing more pressure on first-home buyers and renters. Data from real estate experts PropTrack shows the More

Airport powers ahead with solar scheme

A key regional aviation hub has unveiled its first large-scale solar project, with 320 panels installed on the terminal roof. Sunshine Coast Airport's 190.24kW system More

B2B: Why trust minutes are so important for good governance

Preparing trust minutes is a critical part of good governance and compliance for trustees. Here’s why they are so important. Also known as a trust More

Photo of the day: dog at dawn

Win Fowles took this photo at Coondibah Creek, Currimundi. If you have a photo of the day offering, email photo@sunshinecoastnews.com.au. Photos must be horizontal/landscape and More

Tough calls and tighter belts in council budget shake-up

Sunshine Coast Council has launched a major financial overhaul in its annual budget, cutting costs while lifting rates to manage rising pressures. The $1 billion More

Pub out, wellness in: revised plan up for feedback

Residents are being invited to have their say on proposed changes to a development in a bustling Sunshine Coast suburb. Locals have until July 21 More

New speed limits have been set in a popular Sunshine Coast waterway after strong public support for changes.

The new restrictions are for boat and jet ski users in the Pumicestone Passage, from Golden Beach to Caloundra.

Member for Caloundra Jason Hunt said the limits were introduced by Maritime Safety Queensland after there was strong support from the public during consultation.

Sunshine Coast News previously reported the speed limits would likely change amid a rising tide of complaints about jet ski “hoons”.

The issue had been raised at meetings involving local groups, including the Golden Beach and Pelican Waters Association, Diamond Head Neighbours and Take Action for Pumicestone Passage.

“MSQ consulted on a proposal to reduce the speed limit on waters off Golden Beach to Bulcock Beach to 20 knots (37km/h) from 40 knots (74km/h) after growing safety concerns,” Mr Hunt said.

“This area is heavily used, not only by boaties, but also by families, swimmers, kayakers, paddle boarders, and more.

“While a six-knot (11km/h) zone had applied within 100m of the shore between Military Jetty and Bulcock Beach, the remainder could be traversed at speeds up to 40 knots.

“The strong support during public consultation for the proposal showed stakeholders clearly felt speed limits needed to be reduced in the interest of safety for all.”

Boat and jet ski riders share the passage with other water craft users. Picture: Shutterstock.

Mr Hunt said a six-knot zone in the lower reach of Bells Creek had also been supported and implemented.

“This waterway is narrow and shallow and is used by many craft for anchoring and mooring,” he said.

“The new speed limits have been gazetted and MSQ will follow up with an education campaign and signage to raise awareness.”

Stay informed by registering for our free daily news feed. All it requires is your name and email. See SUBSCRIBE at the top of this article. 

Mr Hunt reminded boaties the recent breakthrough near the northern tip of Bribie Island had added to safety concerns.

A recent breakthrough at Bribie Island has added to safety concerns. Picture: Brendan Smith of SkyShots

“The area near the new bar is treacherous and MSQ advises boaties to navigate with caution,” he said.

“Whether on land or the water, avoiding the Fatal Five is just as important: no speeding, drink or drug driving, distracted driving, or driving fatigued. Don’t let time on the water end in tragedy.

“Always ensure drivers and passengers are wearing life jackets.”

Changed speed limits in the passage

  • Golden Beach to Bulcock Beach – 40 knots to 20 knots (74km/h to 37km/h).
  • In the lower reach of Bells Creek – six knots (11km/h).

 

Subscribe to SCN’s free daily news email

This field is hidden when viewing the form
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
[scn_go_back_button] Return Home
Share